Our Dream
“Empower young adults with developmental disabilities by providing jobs and training opportunities to help them lead fulfilling lives, while connecting Oahu with the loving furry friends we have rescued.”
Dr. Karen Tyson is a practicing Neuropsychologist and avid animal rescuer. She founded KAT Charities, an animal rescue and welfare organization in Pearl City. She had a dream to unite the animal rescue efforts and a passion to help young adults with developmental disabilities.
These young adults often age out of the Special Education community and have little to no opportunity to obtain gainful employment. Once school ends for them, so do their social connections and opportunities for them become very limited. So many of these incredible young adults are forgotten and become isolated and distanced from friendships.
The “Dreams” portion of the cafe’s name is two-pronged: our staff consists primarily of special needs individuals, who will learn on the job; cooking, cleaning, serving and working with the KAT Charities staff. We also offer the space for community groups specializing in behavioral therapy and skills training for children and young adults with disabilities.